SOUTHWESTERN BEEF STEW

Steps:

• Cut the beef into one-and-a-half-inch cubes and set aside.
• Heat about two tablespoons of olive oil in a cast-iron Dutch oven or heavy kettle and saute the onions and garlic until they are soft, about five minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer them to a large bowl and set aside.
• Add a bit more oil to the kettle and heat again. Dredge the beef cubes in the seasoned flour, shaking off the excess, and add them to the pan in batches, turning to brown on all sides. Remove each batch with a slotted spoon and add to the onion-garlic mixture. Use additional oil as needed to brown the remaining meat.
• When all the beef is browned, raise the heat and add the beer, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to loosen the dark crust. Cook until the beer is reduced by half. Reduce the heat to low and add the beef stock, cuminseeds and oregano. Return the beef and onion mixture to the pot and cover partly. Simmer for one hour.
• Add the chilies and sun-dried tomatoes and simmer for a half hour. Add the zucchini, chickpeas and olives and simmer until the zucchini is tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. The beef should be very tender; if not, simmer a little longer. Season with additional salt, if needed, and lots of black pepper.